Leaf Investigation

What are the parts of a leaf and why are the parts important for plant growth and survival? Make observations about the parts and features of leaves and make inferences about how leaves help plants grow and survive. 

Materials 

• Leaves of different shapes 

• Magnifying glass (optional) 

• Paper and writing utensil (optional) 

• Crayons (optional) 

• Access to a garden (or similar space) (optional) 

Observation Ideas  

• Observe the shape and color of a leaf blade with the naked eye. Look closely to observe the pattern of the veins in the leaf. Do you see other patterns in the leaf? Can you see how the leaves grow on the plant (e.g., color, edge, number of leaves growing together)? 

• Use a magnifying glass to observe the patterns and details up close. What texture is the leaf (waxy, spiky, fuzzy, hard, soft)? What new details are observable about the leaf veins and other structures? 

Discussion Ideas 

• What different leaf shapes can you find? Create a drawing of the different leaf shapes you find and share with the group. 

• Leaves are important for taking in sunlight that is converted into energy in a process called photosynthesis. Leaves are made up of cells, and these cells contain chloroplasts, which use the molecule chlorophyll to capture sunlight. This green pigment captures the energy of sunlight. Do you think lighter or darker leaves attract more sunlight? Why is that? How might you plan an investigation to find out if your prediction is correct?   

• Veins are the lines in the leaf that move water, minerals, and sugars to the individual leaf cells. What do you notice about the structure of the veins? Create a close-looking sketch of the leaf or make a leaf etching [link: leaf etching].  

Further Investigation Ideas 

• Compare a leaf that is growing on a tree to a leaf growing on a smaller plant. For example, a pine needle and a blade of rosemary or an oak leaf and a tomato plant leaf. In pairs or small groups, explore both leaves. What looks the same and what looks different? How might these differences help these plants in unique ways? 

• Examine a leaf that has fallen off a plant. What does it look like? How does it feel? How is it different from a living leaf? Why might that be? Discuss different colors of leaves that you have seen before. Discuss why some leaves might change colors at different times of the year.